Jersey Freemasons have pledged an incredible £60,000 to fund Lifelites innovative technology, training and technical support covering two unique children’s services on the island over the next four years.
The generosity of Jersey Freemasons will see our life-changing technology, specialist training and tech support services provided at Oakwell Short Breaks Centre, which provides respite and personalised short breaks for children and young people up to 18 with a range of additional needs, and the Children’s Community Nursing Team at Family Nursing and Home Care, which provides nursing support for children who are acutely unwell or have complex, long term needs and require nursing care in the community.
The installations and training sessions were delivered in September 2024, and Jersey Freemasons attended the event to see firsthand the impact of their amazing support and to try out some of the life-changing technology that will be used by the services.
Lifelites CEO Rob Lightfoot, who met Jersey Freemasons at the installation at Oakwell to thank them for their donation, said: “We are delighted to partner with Oakwell and the Jersey Community Nursing Team to deliver this ground breaking project. None of this would be possible without the support of Jersey Freemasons, who are passionate about supporting their local communities. We are very grateful for their support.
As the needs of the children and families using these services change and become more complex, we are proud to provide an extensive package of the latest assistive technology. We know that these technologies will empower children and young people with life-limiting conditions to play, connect with their brothers and sisters and unlock creative abilities. We hope that this support helps them to create many joyful memories with their families.”
On behalf of Jersey Freemasons, Tim Dallas-Chapman added: “Our members have enjoyed a long association with Lifelites and we have no doubt that this type of specialist technology and training will combine to bring happiness, independence and connectivity to these wonderful children, whilst further enhancing the excellent facilities and care provided by the dedicated teams at Oakwell and Jersey Community Nursing. We are delighted to be a partner in this important initiative.”
Joanne Cowen, Service Lead at Oakwell explained the difference the technology will make to children and families using their service: “On behalf of the children and team at Oakwell, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the Jersey Freemasons for their ongoing generosity and to Lifelites for making this happen. The training and support over the years is invaluable as we support our children to initiate communication, make choices, to learn and achieve and to have fun! It is what every child deserves and we couldn’t do this so well without such fantastic technology and such wonderful support.”
In addition to the provincial donation, two Jersey Lodges, the Prince of Wales and Duke of Normandy, have pledged to raise £5k through the honorifics programme and have a number of activities planned, including Brethren James Rondel and fellow Jersey Freemasons running the Jersey Marathon in 2025 and the London Landmarks Half Marathon in 2026.
Learn more about Lifelites partnership with Freemasonry and how your province can support our work.
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